infernosg's S5 N/A Build

[MazdaMike]

Well the whole reason is cause of the massive torque in reverse, but reverse isnt used as much as the other gears so you'll be fine lol. It really doesn't matter IMO.

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by MazdaMike

Well the whole reason is cause of the massive torque in reverse, but reverse isnt used as much as the other gears so you'll be fine lol. It really doesn't matter IMO.

I forget the reverse ratio but I didn't think it was all that high (shorter than 1st). I guess FC did have more power than the Miatas but engine speeds are low in reverse. I'm not worried; it was more of an interesting observation than anything else. There are actually a bunch of small differences between the transmissions.

I was able to get the mainshaft and countershaft installed last night, which is the one task that most worried me. Getting the countershaft out was a PITA so I was worried installing it would be just as bad.



I tried to line up the gears as best as possible. I'm not sure why Mazda made it so the teeth on the countershaft don't line up nicely with the teeth on the mainshaft . 1st is a bit offset but 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are close and those will be the most used. Main bearings stayed in place:



I used my 1-1/4" pipe to support the bearing as the countershaft was tapped in. I had to remove the reverse idler gear and cage to do this. The whole process is definitely a two-person job. I had my wife hold the bearing plate on the pipe and support the mainshaft while I worked on the countershaft, ensuring everything was lined up. I decided to call it a night after installing the reverse pinion and gears.



There's not much more left: 5th/reverse clutch hub, 5th gear, some washers/spacers, and the rear bearings and this level of the assembly is complete.